Frame strengthening exercise?

Recently acquired '80 390 WR... has anyone seen extra bracing applied like this?

those two bars on top look like a way to raise the seat height

What does the seat look like that come with the bike?

Yes, they do... to the point where the seat won't hit the tang for the front seat mount. Considering cutting them off, as I don't see any frame damage in the area on either side and I'm a bit vertically challenged!

Somewhat related... the shocks that came with the bike are not original and look a bit short: 15" center to center. Anyone have a similar bike that can measure theirs?

The rear frame loop looks like it has been modified as it is not the correct shape for the 1980 WR. 15" C-C is the correct shock length

You've got a sharp eye... comparing what this has, vs. the parts manual made me take a closer look too... it's ALSO has been welded on. It's supposed to be straight out, not curved up, right?

PO probably curved it up to catch the tabs on the seat with these "risers" welded on. Leaning toward cutting those risers off, then see where the frame loop hits the seat tabs with the forward tang engaged into the correct slot.

Thanks,

Had some luck searching the Cafe for the correct shock length for an '80 WR... looks like 15" is actually close to correct (thanks motomwo!). May have to raise the forks in the triple clamp to get the stance right. Looks a bit "chopper-ish" right now. Maybe the forks are not correct for this year. These shocks are also roached with rust on the chrome shafts, so I want to get the length correct before investing $$.

A lot can happen to these old treasures in 40+ years of changing hands!!

Thanks,

Dang... well I won't know for sure till I grind off the extra pieces. Might do that tomorrow if I can get enough heat in the garage! More to follow...
Thanks for the heads-up!

If you have the seat take a picture and I can tell you if it is the correct 1980 seat. Include a picture of the bottom/underside of the seat.

Thanks Moto... see below:

That looks to be and 81/82 seat.

Oh well... what are the clues that you see/don't see that tell you that?

I did grind off those extra bits yesterday and will do a trial fit once I get the bike off of the hoist/cherry picker, and let you know how the fit-up goes. More to follow.
Thanks again motomwo!

It is the type of plastic and the area at the front mount is different compared to the 1980 seat base. The 1980 seat was also used on 81 420 autos. Seats change in 81- due to Husky went to the new style tank except for the auto's

That's the great thing about this site... all the accumulated knowledge and those that are willing to share it. Thank you all!

Alright I got the tank mocked up and then fitted the seat and you are right it won't work. I looks like I need to move the frame tabs forward an inch and down (lower) a quarter inch to catch both of the seat tabs, and get the seat pan down on the frame. So now I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

Thanks for the link - Husky John!

I'll take a look. Since it's already been modified, I feel more free to cut off these vertical tabs and start over. It would be simple to weld on some barrel style tabs to get the seat closer to the rest of the frame.

Thanks,